$1.4 Million in Scholarships Awarded to Florida High School Students Participating in ProStart Culinary Team Competition

$1.4 Million in Scholarships Awarded to Florida High School Students Participating in ProStart Culinary Team Competition

(Orlando, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) announced the winners of the 17th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition which was held Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

A total of 47 schools participated in the competition with 15 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. More than $1.4 million in scholarships was distributed to the winning schools. All winners and participants are a part of Florida’s ProStart program which is a career technical education program where high school students learn from an industry-derived curriculum that teaches culinary techniques and restaurant management skills. More than 20,000 students from across the state are enrolled in the program. The four main event competitions included: the Cracker Barrel Management Competition, the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition, the Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition, and the Coca-Cola Company Waiters Relay Competition.

Tarpon Springs High School won first place in the overall competition. East Ridge High School in Clermont took home second place in the overall competition, with South Lake High School in Groveland placing third. For photos of the event, please click here.

“These talented students represent the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and we are extremely proud to help support their education by awarding more than $1 million in scholarships. We are passionate about investing in these inspiring, young leaders of the trade and are thrilled to celebrate their incredible talents and pursuit of successful careers,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Overall Competition Winners

First Place

Tarpon Springs High School

Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Second Place

East Ridge High School

Instructors: Ken Pitts

Third Place

South Lake High School

Instructor: Candy Huxhold and John Thunberg

Fourth Place

J.P. Taravella High School

Instructor: Scott Goodman

Fifth Place

Leto High School

Instructor: Debra Hladky

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their creative abilities during the competition through the preparation of a meal consisting of: starter (such as soup, salad or appetizer), protein (such as meat, fish or fowl), starch, vegetable, and dessert.

First Place

Leto High School

Instructor: Debra Hladky

Second Place

J.P. Taravella High School

Instructor: Scott Goodman

Third Place

Mainland High School

Instructors: Jason Kester and Troy Logan

Fourth Place

Eastside High School

Instructor: Billie DeNunzio

Fifth Place

Seabreeze High School

Instructors: Samantha Crouch

Cracker Barrel Management Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by developing a business proposal for a new restaurant concept. The business proposal consisted of a defined restaurant concept, supporting menu, and supporting marketing plan. Teams prepared a comprehensive written proposal, verbal presentation and visual display.

First Place

Tarpon Springs High School

Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Second Place

Holmes County High School

Instructor: April Coe

Third Place

South Lake High School

Instructors: Candy Huxhold and John Thunberg

Fourth Place

Terry Parker High School

Instructors: Ginger Stehlin and Dean Hanapel

Fifth Place

Northeast High School

Instructors: John Beck and Curtis Serata

Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their creative ability during the competition through the preparation of an edible centerpiece consisting of fruits and vegetables. Contestants explained nutritional information, product availability, and preparation techniques.

First Place

Estero High School

Instructor: Jeremy Jasper

Second Place*

Dixie Hollins High School

Instructor: Christy Rabich

*Three-way tie

East Ridge High School

Instructor: Ken Pitts

Hialeah Gardens High School

Instructor: James Bryant

Third Place

Tarpon Springs High School

Instructors: Cathleen Ryan

Fourth Place

Northeast High School

Instructor: John Beck and Curtis Serata

Fifth Place

Lake Minneola High School

Instructor: Nick Sandora and Lance Bowles

Coca-Cola Company Waiters Relay Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their ability to duplicate a table setting while racing against the clock.